Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1887-08-19

cApculcuu W Hllu lOI IhV plOIcCllOH VI
the people or the annoyance of the enc
N.Y." Never was discretionary power
more wisely bestowed. The result iusti-
fled the confidence reposed in Gen. Stark,
although the order was criticised severe
ly as subversive of military discipline.
Burgoyne had at this time reached the
Hudson river, his progress having been
retarded by natural obstacles and obstruc-
tions interposed by the scattering force
of Americans which hung along his
flank and front in the wilderness through
which he marched. He at this time needed
supplies and means of transportation, and
his object in detaching Baum and sending
him to Bennington was to capture the
stores there gathered in considerable
quantities for the use of Gen. Schuyler's
army. But the hastily-rallied pioneers
were there before him, and, my fellow
citizens, never was there more grand,
spontaneous uprising of a brave, noble
race of men in defense of holy cause
home, country, freedom, everything
which makes life dear or worth living.
On Aug. II Baum had reached point
about six miles from Bennington and
had captured large quantity of wheat
and flour at Sancoik mill. From here he
wrote dispatch to Burgoyne, that about
$500 militia were in his front, which
would leave at his approach; of which
! a hoS tt-itti
but took Baum's whole army along with
them" On the night of the l4th Baum
entrenched his army in strong position.
On the 18th it rained. On the 10th Stark
attacked the entrenched and disciplined
troops on all sides. They made brave
defence, but were nearly all killed or TAX
en- prisoners. Immediately after the bat
tie was over Col. Breyman, sent to rein
force Baum with five or six hundred men,
was observed approaching, with whom a
second battle was fought, continuing un-
til sunset, when the enemy fed, leaving his
artillery and escaping in the darkness.
About 700 of the enemy were captured
and POI men killed.
Gov. Hall, in his early History of Ver-
mont says: "The injury to the enemy by
this disaster can scarcely be overstated
1t was not confined to his actual losses
of men and munitions of war; though
these were of considerable Importance.
This victory was the first check given to
the triumphant march of Burgoyne from
Canada and was an unexpected example
of a successful assault by undisciplined
militia, armed with muskets without bay
onets, upon an entrenched camp of vet
eran troops defended by cannon" In pri-
vate letter to the British minister in Lon
don, written four days after the battle,
Burgoyne says, Had succeeded should
have effected junction with St. Leger,
and been now before Albany" In the
same letter he pays his respects to the
people of Vermont in the following
words: 1.-The New Hampshire Grants in
particular. country unpeopled in the
last war, now abOunds in the most active
and most rebellious race of the continent,
and hangs like gathering storm on my
left" We can hardly overestimate the
effect of this victory upon the then des-
perate cause of the colonies. Such etfec-
tive fighting by raw militia against en-
trenched veterans astounded and dis
heartened the enemy. The news flew
over the land and thrilled all hearts with
joy, renewed tagging hope, inspired
fresh confidence in the prowess of our
army and in our ultimate triumph Says
Gen. Hawley in his report to the House
of Representatives of the 10th Congress,
recommending the appropriation already
mentioned: "This brilliant victory of New
England yeomen over disciplined forces
aroused every section of the country to
renewed effort, REINFORCED the northern
army by the thousands, and thus ensur
ed the success of the Saratoga battles
resulting in the capitulation of Burgoyne
and his whole army. Consequent on this
was the French alliance, the importance
of which to the final result is matter Of
history. To the Bennington battle, then
one OF the most Drlllldnt III the dnlldls VI
war of the Revolution must be therefore
largely accorded the achievement of the
independence of America" 1t is curious
to notice how necessary to this grand re
suit seems each successive link in this
chain of cause and effect.
If Baum had taken the needed supple!
to Burgoynes army, its triumphan
march to Albany would have been speedy
and certain. The recruits to our army
then needed for effectual resistance Il
Burgoyne's advance, would have staid a
, home. The French alliance, withou
which the achievement of independence
would have been impossible in the fac
of such disaster and general discourage
ment, would not have been effected. Blu
| this is not time for speculation or con
. lecture. Our fathers did rally and stan(
{ here, like a wall of consuming fire, agains